7 Days Lijiang Hiking Tour from Lugu Lake to Baoshan Stone Village

Embark on a challenging yet breathtaking trekking adventure in Yunnan, from the enchanting Lugu Lake to the historic Baoshan Stone Village. This trail, renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, promises a memorable experience. The journey involves ferry rides across the serene Lugu Lake with donkeys, pilgrimages to sacred sites, and exploration of ethnic villages. It culminates with a visit to the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, making it a must-visit tour for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Highlights:

  • Trekking from Lugu Lake to Baoshan Stone Village: Traverse picturesque landscapes and experience the rich cultural heritage of Yunnan.
  • Zhamei Monastery: Pay homage at this significant religious site.
  • Lugu Lake: Experience the unique culture of the Mosuo people, known for their matriarchal society.
  • Gemu Mountain: Discover the legend of Gemu, the matriarchal saint whose tears are said to have formed Lugu Lake.
  • Cruise on the Jinsha (Yangtze) River: Enjoy a scenic boat ride, taking in the stunning views along the way.
  • Ethnic Village Visits: Engage with the Lisu, Naxi, and Mosuo ethnic communities and learn about their traditions.
  • Taiziguan Pass: Hike to this viewpoint for a panoramic view of the Yangtze River.
  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Explore Yak Meadow, Blue Moon Valley, and Ganhaizi Meadow, renowned for their natural beauty.
  • Lijiang Ancient Town: Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its traditional architecture and vibrant culture.

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
  • Day 2: Lijiang – Lugu Lake
  • Day 3: Lugu Lake – Zhuangzi
  • Day 4: Zhuangzi-Labo
  • Day 5: Labo-Fenglian – Liuqing- Baoshan Stone Town
  • Day 6: Baoshan Stone Town – Lijiang
  • Day 7: Departure from Lijiang

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool and Dongba Museum
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: None

You’ll begin our journey to Lijiang, which is the travel highlight of Yunnan. Our local guide will meet you in Lijiang airport. And then you will be transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon, you will walk from the water wheels of Lijiang Old Town to visit Black Dragon Pool and learn the Naxi ethnic culture in Dongba Culture Museum.

The rest time will be free in Lijiang Old Town.

Day 2 Lijiang – Lugu Lake

Sightseeing and Activities:the upper Yangtze Grand Canyon, Yi and Pumi Ethnic Villages, Lugu Lake, Liwubi Island of Luguhu Lake, Mosuo Ethnic Home-made, Bonfire Party
Accommodation: Lugu Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, drive 4-5 hrs on the spectacle mountain road to visit the mysterious Lugu Lake. On the way, enjoy the beautiful view among the huge mountains and rivers. Do some easy walking to visit the beautiful canyon and Yi ethnic people’s villages when you arrive at Ninglang County.

Arrive in Lugu Lake in the afternoon, visit Mosuo Ethnic Museum and Luoshui Village around Lugu Lake.

In the late afternoon, you will take the canoes to visit Liwubi Island in Lugu Lake. In the evening, take part in Mosuo Bonfire Party with ethnic dance and singing performance. You will dance and sing with Mosuo boys and girls around a big bonfire in the outdoors theatre.

Visit a Mosuo ethnic family in the afternoon and enjoy the Mosuo ethnic life in the village. Afternoon, you will walk along the Luguhu Lake by yourself. Enjoy the sunset wonder of Luguhu Lake in Luoshui Village.

Day 3 Luguhu Lake -Yongning – Zhuangzi (2700M)

Sightseeing and Activities:Yongning Town, Zhamei Monastery, Zhuangzi Village
Accommodation: Labo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive along the Luguhu Lake and arrive in Yongning Town, visit Mosuo ethnic market and Zhamei Monastery.

Start the trekking to Zhuangzi Town . Overnight at local hostel, Clean room with public bathroom and hot water for shower.

Day 4 Zhuangzi-Bajiaohe-Labo (2650M)

Sightseeing and Activities: Labo Village
Accommodation: Labo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a long hiking from Zhuangzi Village to Labo Village, hike to stop in Songping Village松坪,Diluo Village地落,Bajiaohe Village巴焦河,Waxialuo Village瓦下落.

This stage is a long and weary climb, reserved for keen hikers who are still in good physical shape after the first stage. The orange line in photo 2 marks the trek of this stage.

Labo is the first village on the east shore. You climb through fields, streams, villages. It is difficult to find high trees giving a shade against the burning sun. Sometimes you walk on a tractor road.

Day 5 Labo-Fenglian-Liuqing-Baoshan Stone Village

Sightseeing and Activities:Jinsha River,Liuqing Villages, Jinsha River, Taizi Mountain Pass, Baoshan Stone Town, Naxi ethnic people
Accommodation: Liuqing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the early morning, we will take the boat cruise from Labo Village to Luoman Village (落满). If the boat is not availible, we will arrange van from Labo Village to Xialiuqing Village. Trek from Luoman to Xialiuqing Village, then continue trekking to ZhongLiuqing Village and Shang Liuqing Village.

Optional Fenglian: A further descent to Fenglian is a long but gentle hike, with enjoyable views of Jinsha River. Several villages can be found along the path. Local people are friendly. Children would say hello to you. Many travelers would finish their trek at Fenglian as landscapes of the first stage are the most breathtaking. They can take a morning bus going back to Lijiang.

In 2.5 hours, you will encounter a tough ascent to the Prince Pass, steeply-incised by Jinsha Jiang. Even horses are not able to climb up here. You will have to cross two tunnels without any illumination. Torches are essential here. The first tunnel is actual the highest point of Prince Pass.
Hike down from Taiziguan Pass, we will stop in Liangjiaren Village两家人, Aishuangluo Village岩双落, Shang Yangliu Village上杨柳, arrive in Baoshan Stone Village at last.

Day 6 Baoshan Stone Village-Mingyin-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yak Meadow, Blue Moon Valley, Baisha Old Town
Accommodation: Daju
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, walk around Baoshan Stone Village, start the driving from Baoshan to Mingyin where we can enjoy the 13 peaks of the mountain from a far. You will take the chairlift to visit Yak Meadow in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Hike 1 hour around Yak Meadow and have a nice view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Drive to visit Blue Moon Valley in Baishuihe river;
Transfer to Ganhaizi Meadow for lunch, transfer to Baisha Old Town;
Transfer back to Lijiang in the late afternoon.

Day 7 Departure from Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: See Off
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast in the hotel, we will transfer to Lijiang Railway Station or Lijiang Airport for returning.
Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination 5 Star 4 Star 3 Star Hostel
Lijiang Pullman Resort Wangfu Hotel Liwang Hotel Baisha Holiday Resort
Lugu Lake Silver Lake Resort Angyue Boutique Hotel Nverguo Hotel Anyi Guesthouse
Zhuangzi / / / Local family
Labo / / / Local family
Baoshan Stone Town / / / Mu’s Family

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.